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Another resolution passed was to extend the government’s state of emergency in Belize and the Cayo region. The state of emergency was declared on June 24 and 68 suspected gang members were sent to jail. The proclamation was read out by the Minister of the Interior during the last session of the House of Representatives and it was extended this morning. Senator Kevin Herra spoke on the bill and questioned the validity of the state of emergency, which is the second time it has been imposed this year. Herra described the measures as a spinning wheel and noted that tougher measures may be needed.
Kevin Herrera, Business Senator: “I don’t think we can take this lightly. I mean, to some extent, you’re talking about preemptively putting people who might commit crimes in jail or taking away their liberty. So I think it’s a very, very serious issue, especially when you look at it through the lens of our constitution and all the freedoms that are guaranteed under the constitution. But having said that, Madam President, I also think there’s a bigger issue. The bigger issue that the government faces is protecting the law-abiding citizens of this country, that’s the first priority. So I think that’s what we’re doing with this motion to extend the time for another two months. Madam President, the culture that these gangs have created is one of intimidation and violence. It’s left a significant material impact on this country, but it’s not just material. There’s a significant psychological impact. People live in fear. And that comes at a huge cost. Especially in terms of lost tourism revenue, the cost is, information is readily available. People want to visit Belize. The first thing they do is start investigating. The first thing they ask you is, what’s the crime situation like? If they get there, are they safe? So that’s everybody’s concern. So I think … Madam President, they have a responsibility to control the situation as much as possible.”
Church Senator Alvin Benguche also scrutinized SOE and said the government needs to attack crime at its roots to prevent further implementation of SOE.
Bishop Alvin Benguche, Senator of the Church Council: “I recognize that both administrations seem to be using the state of emergency as a tool. As Senator Herrera pointed out, it seems to be only a temporary curb on crime. What happens after that? So I want to make a suggestion that one of the things that must be done in this day and age is to be able to have a strategic plan to combat crime. And when I say that, it has to be more than just the state of emergency because Madam President, one of the things that is affecting Belize today, especially in the two aforementioned areas, and that’s why I made sure to mention them, whether it’s in the Cayo area, strategic parts of the Cayo area, or strategic locations in Belize City, we are going to find that a lot of it has to do with turf wars in the drug sector in terms of crime in those areas, and Madam President, I dare anyone to dispute my statement. If you dispute me, then you are refuting the research and findings of Dr. Herbert Gale himself on the country of Belize. If, Madam President, you agree with me that what is going on is a turf war, then perhaps you will also agree with me that in terms of that turf war, it is our black youth that are involved in this turf war that is occurring in these particular areas.”
The SAR sanctions were extended until September 24.
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